Mike Carkin (Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC))

Mike Carkin joined SNC in the fall of 2014 following completion of his master’s degree. The majority of his work at SNC focuses on thermo-fluid analyses of rocket engine chambers, test stand components and prototype hardware. He has been an integral member of a propulsion team tasked with bringing the VORTEX architecture from R&D to flight. Notable programs he has worked on include SNC’s upper stage engine, the Dream Chaser space plane and Boeing’s Phantom Express.

Prior to joining SNC, Mr Carkin attended Embry-Riddle for both his graduate and undergraduate degrees in aerospace engineering with propulsion concentrations. While in attendance at ERAU, he oversaw the experimental rocket propulsion lab analysis team and was a key member of several research teams funded by the United Launch Alliance and NASA. Mr Carkin is also on COMSOL’s North American program committee and the chair of the Wisconsin section of the American Institute of Astronautics and Aeronautics.